Cognitive Linguistics and Autonomous Linguistics

Abstract

The main focus of the following study is based on evaluating the relationship between “autonomous linguistics” and “cognitive linguistics.” This relationship is grounded in topics of a contentious nature, shaped by a set of formalist currents, particularly Chomskyan linguistics, which are collectively grouped under the term “autonomous linguistics.” The study will demonstrate that “autonomy” is not a simple term when applied to linguistic theory. It would be inappropriate to definitively ascribe the characteristic of autonomy—or its absence—to any single theory. The same holds true for cognitive linguistics, which cannot, in any case, be regarded as a theory that seeks to entirely reject autonomy in all its aspects.